favorite teams? In hockey, I love the Colorado Avalanche, and in women's soccer i love too many times, but mainly Russia is my number one! and in women's tennis I love Likhovtseva and recently Pironkova.. and in women's gymnastics its TEAM ROMANIA!!! (They are just so cute!)

favorite players? I love Peter Forsberg and Olga Karasseva, and Simona Amanar and Andreea Raducan (from Sydney games in 2000)

Growing up in North America I have been exposed to many different sports. Although I do not follow the regular season as much as I did when I was younger (I rather be doing something constructive than watching sports ) I do my best to follow the playoffs of my favourite teams. I am born and raised in Montreal so I have a bias towards certain teams.

favorite sports? Basketball – I got hooked 5 years ago and nothing beats the excitement of a live game (and they have hot dancers to entertain you during the game breaks ) Hockey – being Canadian and from Montreal it is in my blood!Football (NFL) – some of the most talented athletes in the world – power and grace.Football (CFL) – the games can get pretty exciting with only 3 downs.Baseball – maybe the only sport that I fully understand all the rules and strategies and can play well.

I have been known to watch golf, curling, soccer, track and field – but only during international competitions and major events – or if I am bored and there is nothing on TV.

favorite teams? My all time favourite team is the Montreal Canadians. I keep an eye on them even when I am not following other sports.I still like the Toronto Raptors and hope that they can become a competitive team again someday. All the good players are gone (to think we once had Vince Carter and Trace McGrady on the same team ).I like a lot of different NFL teams – but I have a sentimental attachment to the Vikings, Jets, and Giants.

favorite players?None come to mind – I guess I am more into teams than players. I am impressed with what Saku Koivu has done given his health problems.

I am impressed with what Saku Koivu has done given his health problems.

Since I'm a finn Koivu is naturally one of my favorite players as well. It warms my heart to see that the fans of the Canadiens have accepted him. I think he was the first non-french canadian captain of the Canadiens ever. He's huge here in Finland, almost as popular as Teemu Selänne. And when it comes to international tournaments he's probably the greatest finnish player ever. He has been pretty good in NHL but when he's playing for his home country he steps his game up big time

I am impressed with what Saku Koivu has done given his health problems.

Since I'm a finn Koivu is naturally one of my favorite players as well. It warms my heart to see that the fans of the Canadiens have accepted him. I think he was the first non-french canadian captain of the Canadiens ever. He's huge here in Finland, almost as popular as Teemu Selänne. And when it comes to international tournaments he's probably the greatest finnish player ever. He has been pretty good in NHL but when he's playing for his home country he steps his game up big time

Saku Koivu is a great leader and inspiration to the Montreal Canadians organization and its fans…any true Habs fan who would never say otherwise . During his tenure as captain of the hockey team he has demonstrated that he is clearly the best choice and it is good that Montreal has recognized that importance of international players in the NHL .

When he was diagnosed in the 2001-02 season with cancer I was devastated . I can not even fathom what type of strength of character, determination and perseverance it took for him to deal with that emotional and physical set back to battle the disease and return for the playoffs that year. I remember the pre-game ceremony in Montreal upon his return when I saw it on TV…I had major tears in my eyes…he is a great athlete and role model. To think the following season he had his best year in the NHL with 71 points in 82 games played.

As far as Finland is concerned overall they have drafted many great NHL players like Koivu, Salo, and Selänne. On the International level they realy play well as a unit and can dominate an opponent with their defensive style and finesse playing. In th 2006 Olympic games it was great to see them beat the Americans (sorry to the US fans) and unfortunate that they could not take the gold . I secretly supported them (and Koivu) when it was obvious that Team Canada was not up to the level of the European teams. I was actually a little surprised when I saw the way Koivu stepped up his game as you mentioned - he plays very well in Montreal - but in Torino he was on fire (aggressive, physical, and dominant).